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I didn't grow up with men around the house, except for seeing my half-brother once in a while, who was 19 years my senior - and I had both older and younger male cousins, uncles.

Growing up, there was nothing I didn't tell my mother, except that I learned how to open a pack of cigarettes (cost 15-cents), remove two and re-seal the cellophane. Otherwise, I never stole even a nickel from her.

Her parental wisdom, "Don't let people touch you in certain places." She also instilled in me a fear of getting "diseases."

God bless her soul! Raising me alone was not easy, for on occasion, I did rebel at authority. That could be what "saved" me - not good sense at all. :)